WRESTLING: ONE TO WATCH

Being relatively new to the sport of wrestling, she sees marked improvement between her freshman and sophomore years. The video doesnât lie. Now as a junior, that improvement continues. Of course, thatâs expected, but the rate of improvement has been pretty amazing, coach Jose Pineda concedes.

âItâs crazy to look at video footage from the beginning of this season and some of my matches from state and nationals,â said Reusing, the Press-Enterprise Girls Wrestler of the Year for the second straight year. âYou look back and see so many mistakes. Itâs great to see that Iâve improved â¦ Iâve become more of an all-around, more developed wrestler.â

After finishing fourth and then third in the past two state championship tournaments, Reusing had her sights set on capturing that elusive title. Her background in martial arts helped with the learning curve in wrestling, as did her competitive nature.

But even as the sport of girls wrestling continues to grow, the competition isnât always keeping pace. Reusing had little trouble overpowering girl wrestlers during the season. She works out and trains with boys. Her strength makes her a tough matchup with girls, and combined with her improved technical skills, she was nearly unbeatable this season.

Nearly.

Powayâs Alyssa La Francis is the two-time defending state champion and the biggest obstacle standing between Reusing and her goal. The two met at a tournament in La Puente and La Francis was victorious. The remainder of the season Reusing trained with a rematch in mind.

Reusing won a CIF-SS title, a South Regional/Masterâs title and appeared to be on a collision course with La Francis at the state tournament.

Reusing admits she may have been looking ahead, and it cost her in a 4-3 loss in the semis. She was ahead 3-0 in the final 30 seconds but got taken down to her back for a 4-point swing.

âAfter the loss it was devastating,â she said. âI left the arena and I was in tears, sobbing. I was a mess.â

During the year, Reusing had relied on senior Mitchell Meredith for support. Meredith, a senior, was unable to wrestle this year after being diagnosed with a brain malformation. Reusing wore his singlet with his name on it at a couple of meets to show her own support. She called him after the loss at state.

Reusing quickly regrouped.

âHer attitude was Iâm coming back to win third,â Pineda said. âI need to flip the switch again, that was it.â

Reusing channeled her anger and won her next match to finish in third place.

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